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​Head Start Awareness Month is an opportunity to celebrate the numerous benefits of Head Start. Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) operates a Head Start program which includes Preschool for children from 3 through 5, Early Head Start for those who are pregnant and children from birth through 3, as well as Policy Council for parents of currently enrolled children giving voice to policy and supporting program operations.  

Preschool gives children a head start by supporting healthy physical, academic, and social-emotional development. Mid Michigan CAA’s Preschool program provides structured play time, activities, and learning opportunities for children from 3 through 5 and support for their families in Clare and Gladwin Counties.

“Children enrolled in a high-quality Preschool program transition to kindergarten ready and eager to learn. Our Preschool services include basic need support, education, and community resources to support children and families. The health and well-being of our children, families and staff is always our highest priority,” said Stephanie VanderElzen, Head Start Director at Mid Michigan CAA.

Early Head Start supports family-child relationships that encourage healthy growth and development for early learning and success ​. Mid Michigan CAA’s Early Head Start program provides supportive services for those who are pregnant and children from birth through 3 in Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, and Osceola Counties.

“Early Head Start services include basic needs support, early education, infant/toddler development, family support, and community resources. We are committed to our families. Now more than ever we can provide a warm blanket of support for our families and young children,” said Sue Harvey, Early Head Start and WIC Director at Mid Michigan CAA.

Policy Council gives parents of enrolled children the opportunity to work with program staff to communicate ideas and contribute to program decisions to ensure children receive the best education and experience possible.

Mid Michigan CAA’s Preschool Head Start is enrolling 3 and 4-year-olds in Clare and Gladwin Counties now. To complete an application, call 989-386-8075 or visit www.claregladwinpreschool.org.

Mid Michigan CAA’s Early Head Start is enrolling now for those who are pregnant or have a child from birth through 3 in Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, and Osceola Counties. To complete an interest form, call or text us at 1-877-386-4406 or visit www.mmcaa.org/ehs.

Parents of enrolled children interested in joining Policy Council should contact Vicki Bohr at 989-426-2801 or vbohr@mmcaa.org.

Learn more about all Mid Michigan CAA’s early childhood programs at www.mmcaa.org/ecs. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn at @midmichigancommunityaction for news and updates.
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Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment.

Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) is now enrolling for Early Head Start (EHS). EHS provides supportive services for those who are pregnant and children from birth through 3 in Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, and Osceola Counties.

EHS gives children and families the best start by supporting family-child relationships that encourage healthy growth and development for early learning and success. Services include weekly visits as well as playgroups and parent meetings. Families will receive supplies to support young learners and provide family fun. Families will also have access to activities including story time, recipes, crafts, and much more.

“Early Head Start provides families services including basic need support, early education and infant/toddler development, family support, and community resources. The health and well-being of the children, families and staff is always our highest priority. Now more than ever we can provide a warm blanket of support for our children and families,” said Sue Harvey, Early Head Start and WIC Director at Mid Michigan CAA.

To complete an interest form for Early Head Start, call or text 1-877-386-4406 or visit www.mmcaa.org/ehs.

Learn more about all Mid Michigan CAA’s early childhood programs at www.mmcaa.org/ecs. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn at @midmichigancommunityaction for news and updates.
Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment.

Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) is now enrolling for Preschool. Preschool provides structured playtime, activities, and learning opportunities for children from 3 through 5 and support for their families in Clare and Gladwin Counties.

Preschool gives children a head start by supporting healthy physical, academic, and social-emotional development so they transition to kindergarten ready and eager to learn.

“We make partnering with families the heart of our approach to early learning and child development,” said Caron Stanton, Head Start Director at Mid Michigan CAA.

Mid Michigan CAA’s Preschool is enrolling now for the 2022-2023 school year. Children who will be 3 or 4 on September 1st, 2022 are eligible. To complete an application, call 989-386-8075 or visit www.claregladwinpreschool.org.

Learn more about all Mid Michigan CAA’s early childhood programs at www.mmcaa.org/ecs. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn at @midmichigancommunityaction for news and updates.
Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment.

Head Start Awareness Month is an opportunity to celebrate the numerous benefits of Head Start. Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) operates a Head Start program which includes Preschool for children from 3 through 5, Early Head Start for those who are pregnant and children from birth through 3, as well as Policy Council for parents of currently enrolled children to work with staff on program decisions.

Preschool gives children a head start by supporting healthy physical, academic, and social-emotional development so they transition to kindergarten ready and eager to learn. Mid Michigan CAA’s Preschool program provides structured play time, activities, and learning opportunities for children from 3 through 5 and support for their families in Clare and Gladwin Counties.

“We continue to provide Preschool services including basic need support, education, and community resources to support our children and families through the unprecedented challenges of this pandemic. Staff receive emergency preparedness and infectious disease management training to ensure the safety of the children as well as themselves. The health and well-being of the children, families and staff is always our highest priority,” said Caron Stanton, Head Start Director at Mid Michigan CAA.

Early Head Start gives children and families the best start by supporting healthy development and building school readiness for early learning and future success​. Mid Michigan CAA’s Early Head Start program provides supportive services for those who are pregnant and children from birth through 3 in Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, and Osceola Counties.

“During this pandemic we have continued to provide Early Head Start services including basic needs support, early education and infant/toddler development, family support, and community resources. We are committed to our families. Now more than ever we can provide a warm blanket of support for our new families and young children,” said Sue Harvey, Early Head Start and WIC Director at Mid Michigan CAA.

Policy Council gives parents of enrolled children the opportunity to work with program staff to communicate ideas and contribute to program decisions to ensure children receive the best education and experience possible.

Mid Michigan CAA’s Preschool Head Start is enrolling 3 and 4-year-olds in Clare and Gladwin Counties now. To complete an application, call 989-386-8075 or visit www.claregladwinpreschool.org.

Mid Michigan CAA’s Early Head Start is enrolling now for those who are pregnant or have a child from birth through 3 in Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, and Osceola Counties. To complete an interest form, call or text us at 1-877-386-4406 or visit www.mmcaa.org/ehs.

Parents of enrolled children interested in joining Policy Council should contact Vicki Bohr at 989-426-2801 or vbohr@mmcaa.org.

Learn more about all Mid Michigan CAA’s early childhood programs. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn at for news and updates.

Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment.

Community Action Month is a celebration of the accomplishments of Community Action Agencies (CAAs) across the country. CAAs are a robust state and local force, reaching individuals and families in 99 percent of America’s counties with life-changing services that create pathways to prosperity.

As part of the CAA network, Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) serves Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, Muskegon, Oceana, and Osceola Counties. Over the past year, our communities have faced unprecedented challenges including a pandemic and a 500 year flood event. In the face of these obstacles, Mid Michigan CAA has adapted to serving clients through largely virtual means while continuing to administer all programs and even adding additional services as new and increased needs arose.

Last year, Mid Michigan CAA distributed 48,441 food boxes or 750 tons of food. As a response to increased food insecurity due to the pandemic, they were able to distribute 55 more tons of food than the year before.

Despite swift changes to the programs, Mid Michigan CAA’s Head Start and Early Head Start programs served 533 children last year. These programs provide support for children and families. They use a curriculum that supports school readiness and coordinate with area public schools to facilitate smooth transitioning for each child.

In the 2019 income tax season, Mid Michigan CAA processed returns for 440 households, bringing $478,566 in returns back into Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, and Osceola Counties.

Last year, Mid Michigan CAA weatherized 44 homes through the Weatherization Assistance Program. An additional 23 households received roofing repair assistance through the Housing Preservation Grant. These services make homes safer, healthier, more comfortable, and more affordable for the residents.

In 2020, Mid Michigan CAA administered the Eviction Diversion program, helping residents in 180 households stay in their homes.
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“The last year brought changes and challenges we could never have imagined. In response, we were able to expand our services and add new programs to address the needs of our communities. We are energized at being asked to serve our communities in ways we’ve never done before,” said Jill Sutton, Executive Director of Mid Michigan Community Action. “And while there is still work to be done, we are proud to continue ‘helping people, changing lives.’”

Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) is now enrolling for Preschool. Preschool provides structured play time, activities, and learning opportunities for children from 3 through 5 and support for their families in Clare and Gladwin Counties.

Preschool gives children a head start by supporting healthy physical, academic, and social-emotional development so they transition to kindergarten ready and eager to learn. Virtual and in-person class options are available. Technology is provided as needed.

“We continue to provide Preschool services including basic need support, education, and community resources to support our children and families through the unprecedented challenges of this pandemic. Staff receive emergency preparedness and infectious disease management training to ensure the safety of the children as well as themselves. The health and well-being of the children, families and staff is always our highest priority. Now more than ever we can provide a warm blanket of support for our children and their families,” said Sue Harvey, Early Childhood Director at Mid Michigan CAA.

Mid Michigan CAA’s Preschool is enrolling now for the 2021-2022 school year. Children who will be 3 or 4 on September 1st, 2021 are eligible. To complete an application, call 989-386-8075 or apply online.

Learn more about all Mid Michigan CAA’s early childhood programs. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn at for news and updates.
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Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment.

Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) is now enrolling for the Early Head Start (EHS) program. EHS provides supportive services for those who are pregnant and children from birth through 3 in Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, and Osceola Counties.

EHS gives children and families the best start by supporting healthy development and building school readiness for early learning and future success​. Services are currently provided in a safe, virtual environment. Virtual services include weekly Zoom meetings in place of in-person visits and virtual playgroups and parent meetings. Technology is provided as needed. Families will receive supply totes via contactless drop-offs, filled with items to support young learners and provide family fun. Families will also have access to video activities including story time, recipes, crafts, and much more.

“During this pandemic we have continued to provide Early Head Start services including families basic need support, early education and infant/toddler development, family support, and community resources. The health and well-being of the children, families and staff is always our highest priority, and during this pandemic we are committed to our families. Now more than ever we can provide a warm blanket of support for our new families and young children,” said Sue Harvey, Early Childhood Director at Mid Michigan CAA.

Mid Michigan CAA’s Early Head Start is enrolling now for those who are pregnant or have a child from birth through 3. Contact us at 1-877-386-4406 or complete an interest form online.

Learn more about all Mid Michigan CAA’s early childhood programs. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn for news and updates.

Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) has received $386,675 through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act for our Early Childhood Services. These funds will support Head Start services for children from 3 through 5 in Clare and Gladwin Counties and Early Head Start services for those who are pregnant and children from birth through 3 in Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, and Osceola Counties.

Mid Michigan CAA’s Head Start and Early Head start programs plan to use the CARES Act funding to provide critical support to enrolled children and families. “During this pandemic we have continued to provide services including basic need support, education, and community resources to support health and mental health well-being. Staff receive emergency preparedness and infectious disease management training to ensure the safety of the children as well as themselves.  The health and well-being of the children, families and staff is our highest priority,” said Sue Harvey, Early Childhood Director at Mid Michigan CAA. The program continues to add virtual learning opportunities to engage with children and families.

Nationally, $750 million has been designated for Head Start and Early Head Start programs to support preventative, preparedness, and response activities related to the coronavirus through the CARES Act. "This $750 million for Head Start will help ensure that children and families who rely on the program continue receiving services like meals, health screenings, and pre-K education where possible,” said U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar. “As we move toward safely reopening, it only grows more important that we support vulnerable families and children whose lives have been disrupted by the virus and its economic effects."

"We know that investing in programs that use a whole family approach to learning and development can be pivotal to the success of children and families," said Lynn Johnson, assistant secretary for the Administration for Children and Families. "During this pandemic, it is important to support programs that enrich and enlighten children, families, and communities as they work towards their goals and make concentrated efforts to improve their future post the pandemic."

Mid Michigan CAA’s Head Start is currently recruiting 3 and 4-year-olds for fall enrollment. Contact us at 989-386-8075 to complete an application or apply online.

Mid Michigan CAA’s Early Head Start is enrolling now for those who are pregnant or have a child from birth through 3. Contact us at 1-877-386-4406 to complete an interest form or complete the form online.

Find additional information about Head Start programming specific to this public health crisis on the Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center website.

Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment.